Letter from 9/11 Flight Attendant Reaches Her Son 24 Years Later

Over two decades after the tragedy of September 11, 2001, a mother’s final words have finally reached her son, sparking a tearful and deeply emotional moment that has resonated across the nation. Jevon Castrillo, now a grown man and father himself, came face to face with a letter penned by his late mother, Cee Cee Ross Lyles, months before she perished aboard Flight 93. The moment, captured on video, is as poignant as it is profound — a reminder of love, sacrifice, and the enduring bonds between a parent and child.

A Letter Lost to Time

The journey of the letter was extraordinary. Written in March 2001, Lyles’s note was intended for Castrillo’s kindergarten teacher, Tammy Thurman, to share her pride in her son’s early accomplishments. Over the years, Thurman carried the letter through four school moves, safeguarding it as a tangible memory of the young boy she had once taught. It wasn’t until recently that WPTV reporter Jon Shainman, who had received the letter, arranged for its delivery to Castrillo in Fort Pierce, Florida.

When he unfolded the note, preserved carefully for nearly a quarter of a century, Castrillo’s voice wavered with emotion as he read aloud the words of his mother. “Very touching,” he said through tears. “It seems very sweet, and it seems like something she would definitely say, you know.” The letter itself celebrated a small yet meaningful triumph: Jevon had read a book from cover to cover, and his mother wanted his teacher to know how proud she was.

A Teacher’s Promise Fulfilled

Thurman, who had kept the letter safe all these years, joined Castrillo on a Zoom call, sharing memories and even surprising him with a class photo from his early school days. “As a mom, I know you need to see those words from your mom,” she told him. Her steadfastness ensured that Lyles’s voice would finally reach her son, even after more than 20 years.

A Legacy of Courage

Cee Cee Ross Lyles was far more than a loving mother. A former Fort Pierce detective, she dedicated her life to public service, rising through the ranks before fulfilling her dream of becoming a flight attendant. On September 11, 2001, she was among the seven crew members aboard United Flight 93. In the face of unimaginable terror, Lyles placed calls to her husband, expressing her love and determination as she and the passengers prepared to confront the hijackers. Their courage ultimately prevented the plane from reaching its intended target in Washington, D.C., saving countless lives at the cost of their own.

In her final phone calls, Lyles remained calm and resolute, recounting plans to resist the hijackers and praying with her husband before telling him, “We’re getting ready to do it now. It’s happening!” Her actions exemplified the same courage and determination she had demonstrated throughout her life, both on the police force and in her short tenure as a flight attendant.

Remembering a Hero and Mother

Today, Lyles is remembered not only for her heroism but for her warmth, humor, and unwavering love for her family. Statues and engraved plaques in Fort Pierce honor her legacy, while memorials across the country commemorate the bravery of all Flight 93 passengers and crew. Her words, whether preserved in a letter to a teacher or spoken during her final moments, continue to inspire, reminding the world of the extraordinary courage and humanity she embodied.

As Jevon Castrillo reflects on his mother’s message, now a father himself, he vows to live a life that honors her legacy — a life that reflects the love, bravery, and unwavering spirit she instilled in him. In this act, Lyles’s voice lives on, transcending time and tragedy, a timeless reminder of a mother’s devotion and a hero’s sacrifice.